A Love Rediscovered

I thought I loved the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Growing up, I knew her through my family, appreciated her, and, of course, recognized her as the mother of our Lord and my mother, too. That means I loved her, right? I never hesitated to ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to bring my prayers to Jesus — but, I was just as likely to go straight to Him.

But now? Now I know I love her. And wow — what a realization! I’m absolutely blown away by how that love has blossomed.

This Lent, I embarked on The Ascension Lenten Companion: Walking with Mary to Jerusalem, which has been impactful. That, combined with the way the Holy Spirit has been moving in my life during the past five years, has transformed my faith and my love for Mary in ways I never expected. Of course the process has included frequent confession, daily Mass, Catholic book club friends who hold me accountable in the best of ways, much prayer time, and weekly Eucharistic Adoration.

And those are still just parts of the whole. Because: God’s timing? Oh, it’s everything! I’m also doing The Rosary in a Year with Ascension Presents — though, full disclosure, I’m only on Day 52, so I might be trailing behind the pack. I guess I’m on a marathon, not a sprint. Plus, I’m taking my time savoring a simple yet profound book, The Virgin Mary, by Father Raymond de Thomas de Saint-Laurent. Speaking of profound — can you imagine leaving your parents at age three? Me neither.

Mary isn’t just my mother and mediatrix; she’s also becoming my confidant and my friend. Even though I can’t actually picture her in my mind — thanks, aphantasia --- I can think of her presence. Sometimes, it’s almost like she’s reaching for my hand. And always, always leading me to Jesus!

My prayer life has become more intentional, more joyful. Mary, I love you. Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust you! Amen!

And my love for the rosary? It has exploded! It’s the perfect way to honor Mary and grow closer to God through meditative prayer. So why is it still sometimes hard to pray daily? Mary instructed us to pray the daily rosary. And really –- if Jesus can’t refuse her, how can I?

Yet, distractions creep in. Maybe because I’ve only recently begun praying consistently, with real passion and persistence. But Lent has helped me cultivate a daily rhythm — one that allows me to pray the rosary daily with the love and authenticity it deserves. It’s in that quiet rhythm that I reflect deeply on Jesus’ life — His birth, His passion, His resurrection.

So I keep seeking Mother Mary’s intercession, asking her to carry my prayers to my Lord Jesus Christ. And I do so with a heart that is more committed and sincere than ever before. The process is still not completely a perfectly sweet crown of roses, as it should be, and I wish it was. But of course, nothing truly worth having comes easy. 

I love the Blessed Virgin Mary, and I know she loves me!